Right from klien website...
https://www.kleintools.com/history
Since 1857, the company operated by Mathias Klein and his descendants to the fifth generation, has grown and developed along with the telecommunications and electrical industries where Klein pliers first found major usages.
Today, Klein Tools, Inc. represents much more than Klein pliers. The company's product line has broadened to include virtually every major type of hand tool used in construction, electronics, mining, and general industry in addition to the electrical and telecommunications fields. Klein Tools also supplies a line of occupational protective equipment, which is exhibited in a separate catalog.
Internationally, Klein's products are available around the world through a well-established network of agents and distributors who stock the products that are required for their particular markets. Klein's reputation as a leading producer of professional-quality products is global.
Like the industrial fields it serves, Klein Tools has grown dramatically since 1857.
1857 When
Mathias Klein emigrated from Germany and made his way west to set up shop in
Chicago's bustling downtown business district, the "communications industry" amounted to nothing more than a few bare wires strung on lean telegraph poles.
Perhaps the only job Mathias Klein ever did "halfway" involved the first tool he ever made, which was — in fact — one half pair of pliers. A broken side-cutting pliers was brought to his forge shop by a telegraph lineman. Mathias Klein forged and finished a new half for the tool, riveted it to the old, and the lineman went on his way. Shortly thereafter the lineman returned. The other original half of the tool had now broken and Mathias Klein forged the second pliers half, producing the first complete Klein pliers.
Further reading on link
Also...
http://alloy-artifacts.org/klein-tools.html
Company History
Klein Tools was founded by Mathias Klein in 1857 as a blacksmith shop in Chicago. The company initially operated as M. Klein & Sons and became one of the most respected manufacturers of lineman's tools, including pliers, cutters, and other specialty tools.
